Manchester United v Real Madrid: Phil Jones given time to prove fitness ahead of Champions League tie

Phil Jones has been given until Tuesday to prove his fitness for Manchester
United’s Champions League match against Real Madrid, with manager Sir Alex
Ferguson determined to have the 21-year-old available for selection at Old
Trafford.

Time: Manchester United's Phil Jones, injured against Reading in the FA Cup, has been given time to recover to face Real MadridPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

Jones, who earned plaudits for his performance in a defensive midfield role during the 1-1 draw in the round-of-16 first-leg tie on Feb 13, has been out of action since injuring his right ankle during the FA Cup fifth-round victory against Reading two weeks ago.

Although the former Blackburn youngster is rated as having only an outside chance of facing Real Madrid on Tuesday night, Ferguson has been buoyed by Jones returning to light training on Friday and is prepared to allow him as much time as possible to declare himself fit to play.

Rio Ferdinand, meanwhile, is expected to train on Monday after missing Saturday’s 4-0 win against Norwich City with flu.